The menu of the day
It is the work of David Horsey, a solid player on the European Tour that we did not expect at such a party in such a tough tournament. But the 35-year-old Englishman did not look around on Thursday. He even posted nine birdies flawlessly on a course for the Royal Greens GC (KAEC, Saudi Arabia).
Better yet, after a solid go (-2), Horsey allowed himself the luxury of a mad comeback: five birdies in a row between 10 and 14, to which were added two new wonders at 16 and 17. Le quadruple winner on the European tour even had a potential 59 in sight in the attack of the 18 (par 5). In the end he was satisfied with a par to take the lead of the tournament after this 61 (-9), the course record tied.
The worst part is that this idyllic map surprised its own author: “ It’s a real shock! I’ve been playing so bad lately, Horsey conceded to the recording. But I had a conversation earlier this week with a friend who knows me well. He gave me a technical key which seems to work really well! »
Only Stephen Gallacher has kept pace with madness since the Scotsman points to a blow. Bernd Wiesberger is at -6, only 3rd.
And the cadors, where are they?
Out of the majority of the stars of the tournament leaving in the morning in ideal conditions (heat, no or little wind), only Bryson DeChambeau really stood out. The overpowered American in the beret is part of a sextet that returned a card of 65 (-5) for 4th place. BDC conceded two bogeys on the Saudi route but hit it seven times, including three on its last six holes of the day (he started from 10).
« I drifted a little too much in all directions this Thursday, so I didn’t really dare to commit myself fully to my shots, DeChambeau conceded to the recording. Fortunately, my putting was up to the task. »
Dustin Johnson, the world No. 1 and winner here in 2019, was satisfied with an honest 67 (-3), just like Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter or Tyrrell Hatton for 17th place.
Tony Finau, Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose are at -2. Patrick Reed barely broke the course (-1) when Sergio Garcia plays in par.
Two French in the rhythm
Of the eleven tricolors involved, they are six to have played under the by this Thursday. The two best? Antoine Rozner and Victor Perez (17th). The Parisian was the first to return to the clubhouse, and despite a final bogey on the delicate n ° 9 hole, Antoine Rozner was satisfied with his start to the tournament.
Victor Perez also returned a card of 67, but completing his course with a birdie on the same 9 hole. The irons of the French n ° 1 found beautiful colors after a few weeks inside. What to consider the continuation of the tournament with a beautiful serenity.
Matthieu Pavon conceded only two points on the Saudi route against four birdies. A solid first day for the Bordelais who are in 31st provisional rank.
Mike Lorenzo Vera made a 69 (-1) card for 49th place, as did Romain Langasque who was developing a long, flawless game but struggled to find the putter target in hand. Patience is required for the Cannes-Mougins player who returned to putt and chipper at the end of the afternoon to sharpen this area of play.
Identical score signed at the very end of the day for Joël Stalter. He, who entered the field of this tournament late, was able to make one of the best cards of an afternoon tormented by the gusts. All the favor of a comeback in 33 moves and a hell of a fight.
Julien Guerrier signs a card in the par, Benjamin Hébert plays +1, just like Alexander Levy and Victor Dubuisson. Raphaël Jacquelin brings up the rear at +6.
The shot of the day
It’s for Phil Mickelson. After a drive dropped far to the left of hole n ° 9 (again!), The American found his ball stuck against a bush. His luck? Being left-handed and above all very creative. The rest speaks for itself.
For the little story, Lefty will sign 4 on the hole, do not exaggerate either!
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